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Abstract:

The present invention relates to a cooling device, mainly comprises a
carrying unit, a thermal insulation unit, and a temperature-lowering
module. The thermal insulation unit is provided over a part of surface of
the carrying unit for blocking heat transmission between the carrying
unit and the outside. As the carrying unit is placed on the
temperature-lowering module, a cooling chip in the temperature-lowering
module is able to lower the temperature of the carrying unit and a
biological sample. Furthermore, the thermal insulation unit is able to
maintain the temperature of the carrying unit and biological sample, when
the carrying unit is removed from the temperature-lowering module.
Thereafter, a user can conveniently practice observation and experiment
with respect to the biological sample, and avoid damaging the biological
sample during experiment or transportation by the use of the cooling
device.

Claims:

1. A cooling device, comprising: a carrying unit made of materials with
high thermal efficiency for carrying at least one biological sample; a
thermal insulation unit covering a part of said carrying unit; and a
temperature-lowering module adapted to carry said carrying unit,
comprising at least one cooling chip for the regulation of the
temperature of said biological sample on said carrying unit, wherein said
carrying unit and said thermal insulation unit are placed on or separated
from said temperature-lowering module.

2. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein said
temperature-lowering module further comprises a first thermally
conductive plate and a second thermally conductive plate provided in a
stacked manner, and said cooling chip is located between said first
thermally conductive plate and said second thermally conductive plate.

3. The cooling device according to claim 2, wherein said
temperature-lowering module further comprises at least one fin provided
on a lower surface of said second thermally conductive plate.

4. The cooling device according to claim 3, comprising a casing for
covering a part of said temperature-lowering module, said second
thermally conductive plate and said fin.

5. The cooling device according to claim 4, comprising a fan provided on
said casing for drawing heat within said casing via heat convection.

6. The cooling device according to claim 2, wherein all of said carrying
unit, said first thermally conductive plate and said second thermally
conductive plate are made of metal materials.

7. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of
said temperature-lowering module is maintained between 0.degree. C. and
2.degree. C.

8. The cooling device according to claim 1, comprising a cover provided
over said thermal insulation unit for covering said biological sample,
wherein said cover comprises a viewing window.

9. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein said
temperature-lowering module further comprises a control unit for
controlling said cooling chip, and regulating the temperature of said
temperature-lowering module.

10. The cooling device according to claim 9 comprising a
temperature-sensing unit connected with said cooling chip and said
control unit, wherein said temperature-sensing unit is able to sense the
temperature of said temperature-lowering module, and said control unit is
able to regulate the temperature of said cooling chip on the basis of the
temperature sensed by said temperature-sensing unit.

Description:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is related to a cooling device for
maintaining the temperature of a biological sample on a carrying unit in
a certain range and facilitating a user to observe or transport the
biological sample.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Biological samples prepared in biological laboratories generally
include enzymes, anti bodies and added reactants, and should be preserved
in a certain range of temperature without being damaged. For instance,
the tissue or the activity of enzyme of a biological sample may be
damaged if the biological sample freezes, while the reaction may occur
early or enzyme may become inactive if a biological sample is subjected
to a higher temperature (room temperature) for a long period of time.

[0003] In a laboratory, it is common to pour the prepared biological
sample into test tubes (or known as micro centrifugal tubes), and
preserve this biological sample by means of ice block made by an ice
machine, for the further observation or experiment with respect to this
biological sample. For instance, the biological sample may be preserved
and the subsequent experiment or observation may be performed in the
environment of an ice bath formed by inserting the test tubes and the
thermometer into an ice bucket having ice blocks therein.

[0004] The temperature within the ice bucket may rise, however, in the
condition of ice/water coexistence formed due to the gradual melting of
ice blocks situated in the environment at room temperature for a long
period of time. In the process of experiment, therefore, it is necessary
for a user to keep an eye on the temperature value of the interior of the
ice bucket displayed on the thermometer at any time, and add ice blocks
into the ice bucket continuously. The possible temperature rise of the
biological sample may occur, further resulting in an experimental error
or damage to the biological sample, if the user neglects the temperature
rise of the interior of the ice bucket or forgets the addition of ice
blocks.

[0005] In the condition of ice/water coexistence within the ice bucket,
the test tubes may sink or float in ice water, harmful to observation.
Moreover, the tube mouth of the test tube or micro centrifugal tube may
touch ice water inside the ice bucket, leading to contamination to the
biological sample within the test tube when the ice water at the tube
mouth flows into the biological sample. In the process of experiment,
therefore, it is still necessary for the user to keep an eye on the
condition within the ice bucket. As the ice blocks within the ice bucket
melt to a certain extent, the user should pour away ice water within the
ice bucket and add new ice blocks immediately.

[0006] If the observation of biological sample is performed in the
aforementioned way, trouble in performing an experiment may be caused for
the user, and additionally, the probability of experimental failure
caused by contamination to the biological sample may be also increased
undoubtedly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is one object of the present invention to provide a cooling
device, allowed for maintaining the temperature of a biological sample on
a carrying unit in a certain range for a long period of time. A
temperature-lowering module can be applied for controlling the
temperature of the biological sample to facilitate the experiment or
observation with respect to the biological sample.

[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
cooling device, in which a carrying unit and/or the thermal insulation
unit may be either placed on or separated from the temperature-lowering
module. A user is allowed to remove one carrying unit from and then place
another one onto the temperature-lowering module during experiment, thus
enhancing convenience of operation.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
cooling device, in which a carrying unit is able to carry a biological
sample. A part of surface of the carrying unit is covered by a thermal
insulation plate so as to block heat transfer between the carrying unit
and the outside. Furthermore, the thermal insulation plate is capable of
maintaining the temperature of the carrying unit together with biological
sample at a certain degree of temperature for a period of time after they
are removed from the temperature-lowering module.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
cooling device, which comprises fins for drawing heat generated by a
cooling chip. The cooling device further comprises at least one fan
additionally provided on the casing for drawing heat within a casing via
heat convection and enhancing performance of the cooling chip.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
cooling device, which comprises a cooling chip for lowering the
temperature of the biological sample, maintaining the temperature of a
biological sample in a certain range in the process of experiment, and
further eliminating trouble due to the use of ice bucket and ice block.
Thus, not only keeping an eye on the temperature of biological sample and
ice bucket at any time in the process of experiment is not necessary, but
also the contamination to the biological sample due to ice block or ice
water is effectively prevented.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
cooling device, which comprises a cooling chip instead of ice blocks and
ice bucket to preserve a biological sample in the process of experiment
primarily for eliminating trouble in making ice and reducing energy
wastage for the purpose of environmental protection.

[0013] To achieve the previous mentioned objects, the present invention
provides cooling device, comprising: a carrying unit, made of materials
with high thermal efficiency, and used for carrying at least one
biological sample; a thermal insulation unit covering a part of the
carrying unit; and a temperature-lowering module, used for carrying the
carrying unit, and including at least one cooling chip for the regulation
of the temperature of the biological sample on the carrying unit, wherein
the carrying unit and the thermal insulation unit are placed on or
separated from the temperature-lowering module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a cooling device according to one
embodiment of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing above embodiment of the present
invention when a carrying unit and a temperature-lowering module are
separated;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of a cooling device according to
another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram of a cooling device according to
another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a structural diagram of a
cooling device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As
illustrated in this figure, a cooling device 10 mainly comprises a
carrying unit 11, a thermal insulation unit 13, and a
temperature-lowering module 15. The carrying unit 11 is able to carry at
least one biological sample 12, and the carrying unit 11 and/or the
thermal insulation unit 13 may be either placed on, or separated from the
temperature-lowering module 15 as required.

[0019] The temperature-lowering module 15 mainly comprises at least one
cooling chip 151, and may lower temperature via the cooling chip 151. A
temperature difference may be created for achieving the purpose of
lowering temperature, when a potential difference occurs between two ends
of the cooling chip 151. The cooling chip 151 has the advantage of small
volume, no noise, non-necessity of refrigerant, long service life, and
possibility of standing upside down or sideward, as compared with the
traditional refrigeration compressor.

[0020] For the cooling chip 151 available on the market, the maximum
temperature difference between two ends of this chip may be approximately
62° C. On condition of room temperature of 27° C., the
lowest attainable temperature of the cooling chip 151 is approximately
-35° C. in theory. For the general biological sample 12 or enzyme,
the preservation temperature is approximately in the range of -5°
C. to 5° C., preferably 0° C. to 2° C. For the
purpose of preservation of biological sample 12 or enzyme, therefore, the
cooling chip 151 may be used, in such a way that the temperature of the
biological sample 12 or enzyme may be maintained between -5° C.
and 5° C., or 0° C. and 2° C.

[0021] In one preferred embodiment of the present of invention, the
temperature-lowering module 15 further comprises a first thermally
conductive plate 153 and a second thermally conductive plate 155 provided
in a stacked manner. The cooling chip 151 is then located between the
first thermally conductive plate 153 and the second thermally conductive
plate 155, and in contact with both of them. In operation, the carrying
unit 11 may be placed on the first thermally conductive plate 153 and
carried thereby.

[0022] After the cooling chip 151 is powered, the temperature difference
between the first thermally conductive plate 153 and the second thermally
conductive plate 155 may occur, and the temperature of the first
thermally conductive plate 153 may be lowered. The temperature-lowering
module 15 may also comprise a control unit 141 used for controlling the
current or voltage inputted to the cooling chip 151, so as to control or
regulate the temperature of the temperature-lowering module 15. In
alternative embodiments, naturally, a temperature-sensing unit 143 used
for sensing the temperature of the temperature-lowering module 15 may be
additionally provided for the temperature-lowering module 15.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature-sensing
unit 143 may be in contact with the first thermally conductive plate 153
for sensing the temperature of the first thermally conductive plate 153,
and may be connected with the control unit 141 and the cooling chip 151.
The magnitude of voltage or current inputted to the cooling chip 151 may
be then controlled on the basis of the temperature sensed by the
temperature-sensing unit 143, so as to regulate or change the temperature
of the cooling chip 151 and the first thermally conductive plate 153.

[0024] Further, it is only necessary for the control unit 141,
temperature-sensing unit 143, and cooling chip 151 to maintain the
temperature of the temperature-lowering module 15 or the first thermally
conductive plate 153 in the range of -5° C. to 5° C., or
0° C. to 2° C., because the preservation temperature in the
range of approximately -5° C. to 5° C., preferably
approximately 0° C. to 2° C. is required for the biological
sample 12 or enzyme. In other words, there is no need for the cooling
device 10 described in the present invention to provide the function of
temperature regulation or temperature display, while only the light
signal indicating whether the temperature of the temperature-lowering
module 15 achieves a predetermined temperature is required. Thus, the
volume and weight of the cooling device 10 may be reduced, further
beneficial for the setup cost of the cooling device 10.

[0025] The carrying unit 11 may be made of materials with high thermal
efficiency, and used for carrying the biological sample 12. For example,
the biological sample 12 may be put in test tubes 121, and the test tubes
121 are then inserted into the carrying unit 11. The thermal insulation
unit 13 may cover a part of outer surface of the carrying unit 11, such
as side surfaces and/or a part of upper surface of the carrying unit 11,
for example, and may be used to block heat transmission between the
carrying unit 11 and the outside, so as to maintain the temperature of
the carrying unit 11 and biological sample 12.

[0026] In the process of experiment or observation of the biological
sample 12, the carrying unit 11 may be placed on the temperature-lowering
module 15, as well as the temperature of the carrying unit 11 and
biological sample 12 may be lowered by the temperature-lowering module
15, or preferably the temperature of the carrying unit 11 and biological
sample 12 may be maintained in the range of -5° C. to 5°
C., or 0° C. to 2° C.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is no thermal
insulation unit 13 provided on the lower surface or a part of lower
surface of the carrying unit 11. When the carrying unit 11 is placed on
the temperature-lowering module 15, the temperature-lowering module 15
and the carrying unit 11 may be in contact with each other, and the
temperature of the carrying unit 11 may be lowered via heat conduction,
in such a way that the temperature of the carrying unit 11 and biological
sample 12 may be maintained in a certain range. For example, all of the
carrying unit 11, the first thermally conductive plate 153, and the
second thermally conductive plate 155 are made of materials with high
thermal efficiency (metal materials). When the carrying unit 11 is placed
on the first thermally conductive plate 153, the temperature of the
carrying unit 11 and biological sample 12 may be regulated or maintained
by the cooling chip 151 via heat conduction.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a structural diagram of a
cooling device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
The cooling device 10 also comprises a casing 17, which covers a part of
the temperature-lowering module 15. Further, the second thermally
conductive plate 155 is provided inside the casing 17. In operation, the
carrying unit 11 and/or the thermal insulation unit 13 may be placed on
or separated from the temperature-lowering module 15, for providing a
user with enhanced convenience of operation. For instance, the carrying
unit 11 and biological sample 12 may be removed from the
temperature-lowering module 15, and then stored in another storage
environment with constant temperature. Moreover, the carrying unit 11 and
biological sample 12 stored in the environment at constant temperature
may be removed and then placed on the temperature-lowering module 15 for
the observation or experiment with respect to the biological sample 12.
Moreover, when the carrying unit 11 and biological sample 12 are removed
from the temperature-lowering module 15, the temperature of the carrying
unit 11 and biological sample 12 may be still maintained during a certain
period of time, due to the thermal insulation unit 13 provided on a part
of outer surface of the carrying unit 11.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a structural diagram of a
cooling device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
As illustrated in this figure, a cooling device 20 mainly comprises a
carrying unit 11, a thermal insulation unit 13, a temperature-lowering
module 15, and a casing 17, in which the temperature-lowering module 15
comprises at least one cooling chip 151, a first thermally conductive
plate 153, and a second thermally conductive plate 155. On the lower
surface of the second thermally conductive plate 155, there is provided
with at least one fin 257, beneficial for drawing heat for the
enhancement of the performance of the cooling chip 151.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fin 257 may be
provided on the second thermally conductive plate 155 directly, and heat
from the cooling chip 151 and/or the second thermally conductive plate
155 may be transmitted to the fin 257 via heat conduction. The heat
dissipation efficiency of the cooling chip 151 and/or the second
thermally conductive plate 155 may be thus enhanced due to a larger
contact area between the fin 257 and the outside. In alternative
embodiments, naturally, the fin 257 may be also an independent means, and
connected with the second thermally conductive plate 155 via thermal
adhesive (not shown).

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, both of the second
thermally conductive plate 155 and the fin 257 are provided inside the
casing 17. Furthermore, for the enhancement of heat dissipation effect
and the performance of the cooling chip 151, at least one fan 26 may be
further provided on the casing 17 additionally, so as to draw heat within
the casing 17 via heat convection. There may be one or more fans 26. When
the number of the fans 26 is two, the fans 26 may be provided on opposite
sides of the casing 17, respectively. In this case, one of the fans 26
may exhaust air within the casing 17, and the other one may supply air
outside of the casing 17.

[0032] The cooling device 20 may also comprise a covering plate 29, used
for covering the biological sample 12 and/or carrying unit 11, for the
isolation of the biological sample from the contact with outside, and the
avoidance of the biological sample 12 to be contaminated during
observation or experiment. Moreover, on the covering plate 29, a viewing
window 291 may be also provided such that the biological sample 12 may be
located under the viewing window 291, allowing a user to observe the
biological sample 12 through the viewing window 291, when the covering
plate 29 covers the biological sample 12 and/or carrying unit 11.

[0033] In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 4, the covering plate 29 may be also provided over the thermal
insulation unit 13, and opened or closed with respect to the thermal
insulation unit 13, carrying unit 11, and/or biological sample 12. When a
user is intended to move the carrying unit 11, he can previously use the
covering plate 29 to cover the biological sample 12 and/or carrying unit
11, in such a way that the contamination to the biological sample 12
during this motion may be avoided.

[0034] The foregoing description is merely one embodiment of the present
invention and not considered as restrictive. All equivalent variations
and modifications in shape, structure, feature, and spirit in accordance
with the appended claims may be made without in any way from the scope of
the invention.